Discover how to make Kunun Zaki, a traditional and refreshing Nigerian drink made from fermented millet or sorghum. This easy-to-follow recipe brings together the unique flavors of fermented grains to create a delicious and nutritious beverage perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups millet or sorghum

- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon ground ginger

- 1 teaspoon ground cloves

- 6 cups water

- 1/2 cup yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions:

Soak the Grains: Rinse the millet or sorghum under cold water. Place it in a bowl and cover with water. Let it soak for 8-12 hours or overnight.

Drain and Blend: Drain the soaked grains and transfer them to a blender. Add 2 cups of water and blend until smooth.

Ferment: Pour the blended mixture into a large pot or bowl. Cover with a clean cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours, depending on how tangy you want the flavor to be.

Strain: After fermentation, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot, discarding the solid residue.

Add Flavors: Stir in the sugar, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Adjust sweetness to your preference. If using yogurt, mix it in for a creamier texture.

Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the Kunun Zaki until it's cold. Serve over ice and enjoy!

Notes:

- For a lighter flavor, you can use less sugar and adjust the spices to taste.

- Kunun Zaki can be enjoyed plain or with a splash of citrus juice for added zest.

This recipe is not only refreshing but also a great way to enjoy the benefits of fermented grains.

Nutritional Values

Millet or Sorghum (2 cups)

Millet:

   - Calories: 414 kcal

   - Protein: 12g

   - Fat: 2g

   - Carbohydrates: 82g

   - Fiber: 4g

Sorghum:

   - Calories: 440 kcal

   - Protein: 10g

   - Fat: 2g

   - Carbohydrates: 100g

   - Fiber: 12g

Benefits:

   - Millet is rich in magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. It is gluten-free and supports heart health and digestion.

   - Sorghum is high in fiber, antioxidants, and protein. It is also gluten-free and can aid in digestion and support cardiovascular health.

Sugar (1 cup)

   - Calories: 774 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 200g

   - Fiber: 0g

   - Protein: 0g

   - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

   - Sugar provides quick energy but should be used in moderation to manage calorie intake and avoid excessive weight gain and other health issues.

Ground Ginger (1 teaspoon)

   - Calories: 6 kcal

   - Protein: 0.1g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

   - Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It aids digestion and may alleviate nausea.

Ground Cloves (1 teaspoon)

   - Calories: 6 kcal

   - Protein: 0.2g

   - Fat: 0.3g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

   - Cloves are high in antioxidants and may improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and offer antimicrobial benefits.

Water (6 cups)

   - Calories: 0 kcal

   - Protein: 0g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

   - Water is essential for hydration, helps in mixing the ingredients, and forms the base of the drink.

Yogurt (1/2 cup, optional)

   - Calories: 75 kcal (for plain, low-fat yogurt)

   - Protein: 4g

   - Fat: 2g

   - Carbohydrates: 10g

   - Calcium: 150mg

Benefits:

   - Yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy flavor. It provides probiotics that support digestive health, along with protein and calcium.

This combination creates a flavorful and potentially nutritious drink, with spices like ginger and cloves adding health benefits and optional yogurt providing extra creaminess and probiotics. Adjust the sugar level to suit your taste and dietary needs.